The government is moving forward with restoring the direct flight route “Hua Hin–Kuala Lumpur” to elevate Hua Hin into a world-class quality tourist city and support the regional economy.
On 4 July 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertvivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that the government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is driving policies to upgrade transportation and tourism infrastructure to enhance tourism capacity and stimulate the regional economy. The Ministry of Transport, together with the Department of Airports, Thai AirAsia, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), are integrating their efforts to prepare for the revival of the international flight route “Hua Hin–Kuala Lumpur,” with plans to extend to other international routes in the future.
Ms. Lalida stated that Mr. Pattarapong Pattaraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, has been closely monitoring progress in upgrading Hua Hin Airport. Following his site visit on 28 May 2026, efforts are underway to resolve technical runway limitations to meet the safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). This will allow full international flight services and enhance air travel connectivity in line with the government’s economic stimulation policy.
Ms. Lalida added that on 3 July 2026, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will jointly participate in the “Market Insights and Customer Insights Workshop” held in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Over 100 local tourism and service operators will attend to exchange information and set directions for Hua Hin’s tourism development. This includes presenting the readiness of Hua Hin Airport, analyzing the potential of tourism products and services, and studying foreign tourist demands to develop products and activities that better meet market needs.
Ms. Lalida further explained that before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hua Hin Airport operated direct flights on the Hua Hin–Kuala Lumpur route, which received strong support with over 1,000 flights and more than 130,000 passengers served. The feasibility study for reopening this route is a significant step in enhancing international connectivity, increasing foreign tourist arrivals, generating income for local businesses, and paving the way for future new international routes.
“The government aims to elevate Hua Hin into a world-class quality tourist city through developing transportation infrastructure, expanding air travel networks, and fostering cooperation between the public and private sectors. This is to create economic opportunities, distribute income regionally, and strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination,” she concluded.